MY FIRST year, I intended to give up journalism. I had spent so many nights in the past two years worrying whether I had enough stories and writers at the Lee High School Lance, that I promised myself once I got to U.Va., I would try something new and different.
That was until I saw the Prod Frogs: three hand-drawn frogs with sweat beads dripping off their brow, scrambling to put together a newspaper. Most people probably wouldn't have understood the ad even if they saw it; the frogs are using waxers and rollers so technologically outdated that even people on the Cav Daily staff today have no idea what they are.
But I knew exactly what they were. And every time I so much as looked at a Cav Daily in class or picked up a copy on a bus, the first thing my eye would inevitably find was the frogs.
The rest is history. Three and a half years, three departments and five positions later, I cannot imagine what my life at U.Va. would have been like without The Cav Daily.
When I think back on my time at U.Va., there will of course be the obligatory memories of the Lawn and statues of Jefferson. But more than anything else, I will remember the basement and the people who have impacted my life in more ways than I can count.
To the boys of the 114, especially Justin, Brian and Peter: It was never easy being a girl in the back room, but you guys were always there for me when I needed help and even when I didn't. You taught me everything I know about Cav Daily and I couldn't have learned from anyone better.
To Becky, Chris, Josh and Kara: It's hard to know what to how to describe how important all of you are to me; I spent more time with you all than most people spend sleeping in a year. And though at one point or another each of you took a turn as my voodoo doll, even at the worst times I was still glad to have you there working with me. I admire all of you as individuals and as journalists.
DoF: Keep boiling potatoes. Liberty is way overrated.
Maggs and Monika: I miss you already. The office is not as loud or fun without you both there laughing.
Katleen and Jam: I know you all will do amazing work. Keep up the Cav Daily girl power.
Sean McLernon: Can you believe how old we are? Thanks for being my Cav Daily buddy all these years. I have no doubt you'll be an awesome sports reporter.
To the News Girls, new and old -- and our token guys Chris, Alex and Andy: it's been a pleasure working, laughing and creating the different levels of News hell with all of you. Maria, Becca, Chris, Caroline and Meggie: You all are doing an awesome job. Keep up the good work and thanks for letting me stick around.
A-train, Galati and Ashley: At times you made me do some annoying work -- calling the White House to ask if they torture detainees or pulling an all-nighter so that there would be Focus page for the mailout -- but I appreciate the trust you all have in me to let me pick out my pieces and do crazy undercover work. Thanks for being my editors.
Nikki, Beth, Christy, Sus, Liz, Laura and Katie: Thanks for listening to me bitch all these years and putting up with my ridiculous work hours. I couldn't have done it without you guys. You all are the best.
Chris Gibson: I have never met anyone so incredibly gifted at Prod or so dedicated. You are one of the best human beings I've ever met and the basement will not be the same without you.
Dan: Did you ever imagine that day I took you for coffee that my "crazy" idea would have worked? I could never have asked for a better successor. In many ways, your skills as operations manager vastly outshined mine. When Cav Daily kids of the future think of a what a good OM should be, I'm happy that they'll think of you.
Pat: I forgive you for getting rid of the Whatzit!, but only because we're BBs. Despite all the naysayers, you did an amazing job, one I don't think I could have done as fully or as well. I hope you're as proud of everything you accomplished as I am. P.S.: When I'm a starving journalist and you're a successful lawyer, I am going to mooch meals off of you.
Herb and Jordan: I can't believe both my first-years are so grown up! Being a second year on the MB is tough, but both of you are incredibly talented and amazing people and I don't doubt that you'll be awesome at your jobs.
Mike: From the first day you told me you wanted to run for EIC, I have never doubted that you were best person for the job. You have the passion, dedication and intelligence. You just need to smile a little more; it makes you look much cuter. I love you and if you ever need me, I'm just a phone call away.
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